Brighton and Hove Branch of WEA Celebrate Brighton's Gay Summer Pride 2005

Saturday 6th August proved to be a fabulous summer day, ideal for Brighton Gay Pride's annual event. Pride is not just a vehicle for showmanship, but a great opportunity for organisations affiliated with Brighton, to publicise their products and services in an atmosphere of fun and celebration.

The highlight of Pride is a procession of floats, 'colourful' characters and everyday folk who parade through the centre of Brighton and march on to Preston Park situated on the outskirts of the city. Here, everybody is invited to party for the rest of the day and into the evening, whilst browsing numerous stalls or investigating the lively stages displaying line dancers or stepping back in time into retro disco fever.

For those choosing more informative interaction, there is always an invitation to meet representatives of political parties or those involved in building supportive networks, such as, members of the local Police Constabulary, Victim Support or the Gay and Lesbian Help Line.

For the first time this year, the Brighton and Hove Branch of the WEA decided to organise a stall to publicise the organisation, offer advice on local WEA courses and to engage with the diversity of Brighton's best. Having said that, a number of visitors to the WEA stall had travelled from all parts of Britain, many were interested in hearing what the WEA could offer in their own specific region. The stall offered a reflection of student's creativity in the bright and intricate mosaic pieces on display and the planning of future courses in the selection of WEA brochures on show.

Above, WEA Brighton and Hove staff prepare their stand at Brighton Pride for visitors. John Williams, Regional Secretary for WEA's Southern Region (left) enters into the festivities with a sparkly blue hat.

The objective was not only to encourage potential learners and publicise our name, but also to invite interest from practitioners in education, trained teachers or people considering a career as a tutor within adult education. During the day, it became incredibly crowded and not everyone was able to find us! But support was on hand from local Tutor Organisers, Community Project Workers, as well as a Brighton based tutor, who all pitched in to run the stall. Enthusiastic partners and children also got involved, administering advice, distributing leaflets and brochures, or just offering sweeties and crisps!

Response to our stall overall was greeted with excitement and enthusiasm. However, the opportunity to find out the type of courses Brightonians would like to be offered was not to be missed. Visitors were encouraged to leave their details in response to our prize draw to win one of the three beautiful mosaics created by Anna Tilson, Mosaicist and WEA Tutor. It was also fun to meet with colleagues from other WEA branches visiting Pride, and friends from neighbouring organisations and charities who support the Brighton and Hove WEA. Would we do it again? Definitely, yes! It was a great experience and proved to be a fun way to bond with fellow colleagues, make new friends, and to shout shamelessly about our Pride in an educational service we are all proud to be a part of.

by Terry Henson, WEA Tutor Organiser, Brighton and Hove

For further information on WEA courses in and around the Brighton area you can contact:

WEA Southern Region
Unit 57 Riverside 2
Sir Thomas Longley Road
Rochester
Kent
ME2 4DP
Tel: 01634 730101
Fax: 01634 295456
Email: southern@wea.org.uk